WASHINGTON — Congress on Tuesday stepped in to protect U.S. airlines from having to pay into a European Union program to cut emissions that its critics say is unilateral and illegal.

House action to pass the bill came a day after the EU, facing protests from numerous countries and a possible trade war, said it was postponing enforcement for non-EU airlines.

Lawmakers, while welcoming the EU action, said it was still necessary for Congress to ensure that U.S. airlines won't get taxed by the EU in the future. “The EU's announcement still does not recognize that its system is illegal and that a global solution, not just one deemed acceptable by the EU, must be the path forward," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., sponsor of the bill in the Senate with Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.

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